Mortgage Dilemmas & Japanese Knotweed

Why is Japanese Knotweed such a problem?

Although aesthetically appealing, Japanese Knotweed is widely considered as the most invasive non-native species of plant within the UK & Ireland today. Originally introduced into Britain as an ornamental garden plant over 150 years ago, with no natural pesticide and being able to grow unhindered within poor soil conditions, due to its aggressive growth pattern it has been allowed to spread rapidly throughout the country at an alarming rate.

Fully mature, it can grow up to 8’- 9’ and will supress the native vegetation whilst creating a rhizome network (root system), several metres both vertically and horizontally beneath the surface.

Whilst the problems associated with having Japanese Knotweed on or close to your property are upon occasions, often exaggerated or misleading, the vast majority of mortgage lenders have stringent protocols in place whenever there is mention of Japanese Knotweed on a Home Buyers report. Despite a recent study conducted jointly by Leeds University and AECOM which claims that there’s no evidence that Japanese Knotweed causes significant structural damage, the mere existence of the plant is likely to be an issue during property sale / purchase where mortgage applications are involved. Consequently, we would therefore strongly recommend you adopt a pro-active approach to having the plant treated by a suitably qualified professional, as early as possible once positive identification has been confirmed.

Be pro-active as opposed to reactive. It will undoubtedly pay dividends in the long term!